§. 121. Of Christians courage when they are first converted.
NOtwithstanding the foresaid many and great Trialls, whereunto these Hebrews were brought, it is added, a 1.1 ye endured, which properly signifieth an abi∣ding under a burden, or a patient bearing of affliction. Of the b 1.2 noun translated Patience, see chap. 6. v. 12. §. 86. It is here added to shew their courage, and it im∣plieth, that Christians use at their first illumination to have great courage. This is true of Churches in general, and of particular Members thereof. Instance the Churches first planted by the Apostles, and Churches first reformed from Antichri∣stianisme. It is said of Saul, who afterward was called Paul, that immediately up∣on his conversion, he increased the more in strength, &c. Act. 9. 22. In the begin∣ning of Iohns Ministry, who was the first Preacher of the Gospel, common people, Publicans, and Souldiers inquired of him what they should do (Luke 3. 10. &c.) and by reason of their earnest desires after the Gospel, the Kingdom of Heaven is said to suffer violence, and the violent to take it by force, Matth. 11. 12. Great was the courage and zeal of Christians, in the beginning of the primitive Church, Act. 2. 41. &c.
- 1. One especial ground hereof, is the divine providence of God, who knowing that profession of his truth causeth persecution of professors, gives to those that profess his name, the spirit of zeal and courage, together with the spirit of illumi∣nation, that his Souldiers should not faint in his quarrel.
- 2. Another ground is Christians deep apprehension of their blessed change. Then that woful estate, wherein they were by nature, is fresh in their memory: and they would not for all the world be of that state again. The fresher that the memory of this change is, the more couragious they will be in abiding therein.
This serves to put on the former point of calling to remembrance our first love, and former zeal and courage, that thereby we may be provoked to continue and in∣crease therein. Men are prone to leave their first love. Christ complains hereof in the Church of Ephesus, Rev. 2. 4. We have need to be watchful against it. As wa∣ter, though seething hot, is ready to wax cold, and heavy things to fall downward, if means be not continually used to keep the water hot, and the heavy things up∣ward: so we in reference to grace. Of means of perseverance, see chap. 3. v. 6. §. 70.